Is the iPad 11th Generation Good Enough? A Full Review After 2 Months of Use

I’ve been using the iPad 11th generation as my daily driver for the past two months, and in this article, I’ll share my honest experience. Whether you’re considering the iPad Air, the iPad Pro, or the 11th generation iPad, I’ll help you decide if you should spend more or stick with this budget-friendly option.

What’s Missing on the iPad 11th Gen?

Let’s start with what the iPad 11th gen doesn’t have compared to the iPad Air or iPad Pro. The first thing is the display. The 11th gen iPad lacks a laminated screen, anti-fingerprint coating, and the wider P3 color gamut found in the Air. But honestly, even if you’re using the iPad without a screen protector, smudges happen—so it’s not a dealbreaker. I always recommend using a screen protector anyway.

When comparing colors, the iPad 11th gen supports the sRGB color space, while the iPad Air offers the P3 color gamut. However, unless you’re pixel-peeping, you probably won’t notice much difference. For general use, the display on the iPad 11th gen looks bright, vivid, and enjoyable.

Another missing feature is the M-series chip. The iPad 11th gen comes with the A16 chip (from the iPhone 14 Pro and 15 series), while the iPad Air uses the newer M3 chip. But in real-world use, the A16 performs just fine. I tested exporting 4K videos on both the iPad Pro and the iPad 11th gen, and the latter was only about a minute slower. For gaming, too, the iPad 11th gen handles titles like Genshin Impact smoothly, even when compared to the Pro’s 120Hz display.

The iPad 11th gen comes with 6GB of RAM, while the iPad Air has 8GB. Yes, more RAM typically means better future software support, but Apple’s chips are so efficient that 6GB is still plenty for most users. Plus, the base storage is now 128GB (up from 64GB in older models), which is a welcome upgrade.

Software Limitations on the iPad 11th Gen

Some software features are also limited. The iPad 11th gen doesn’t support Stage Manager, which lets you use multiple resizable windows like on a Mac. If you really want that feature, you’ll need to go for at least the iPad Air. But for most tasks, the standard full-screen or split-view works just fine.

External monitor support is also limited. On the iPad 11th gen, you can mirror the screen, but it doesn’t support native resolution or extended displays like the Air or Pro. If you need that Mac-like dual-monitor experience, the iPad Air or Pro is the way to go.

Another point—some professional apps, like Final Cut Pro, were initially limited to M-series chips. But Apple recently updated Final Cut Pro and Logic Pro to work on the iPad 11th gen too, which is a huge plus. You can now edit videos in full 4K right on this device without needing a higher-end iPad.

As for Apple Intelligence features, they’re currently not available on the iPad 11th gen. But that may change, as Apple might expand support in the future, similar to how Google is running its AI models on less powerful Android devices.

Accessories: What Works with the iPad 11th Gen?

When it comes to accessories, the iPad 11th gen is compatible with the first-generation Apple Pencil and the USB-C Pencil—not the new Apple Pencil Pro. If you’re an artist, the Pro’s extra features like haptic feedback and barrel roll might be helpful. But for most users, the basic Apple Pencil or even affordable third-party options like the ESR Geo Pencil (which costs around $30) are more than enough.

For keyboards, the iPad Air and Pro support the Magic Keyboard, which is a premium option with a floating design. The iPad 11th gen doesn’t have an official Magic Keyboard, but ESR’s Rebound Floating Keyboard Case is a fantastic alternative for around $100. It offers a similar experience without breaking the bank.

Final Thoughts: Should You Buy the iPad 11th Gen?

After using the iPad 11th gen for two months, I can confidently say it’s an excellent device for most people. It handles web browsing, social media, and content consumption beautifully. It can even manage gaming and 4K video editing without major issues. With the updated A16 chip, 6GB of RAM, and 128GB of base storage, it’s a solid performer at a great price—£329 in the UK as of now.

So, do you need to spend more on an iPad Air? Here’s the bottom line:

• If you need Stage Manager, extended monitor support, or Apple Intelligence features, the iPad Air is the better choice.

• If you’re a creative professional looking for the best display, color accuracy, or Apple Pencil Pro support, the iPad Air or Pro may make sense.

• But for everyone else, the iPad 11th gen is a fantastic deal.

You get a powerful, versatile device that can handle almost everything you throw at it—without breaking the bank.

What do you think about the iPad 11th gen? Let me know in the comments! And if you enjoyed this article, please  subscribing for more tech content like this. Thanks for reading!